Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
by J. Peter Clark
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Evaluating a Co-manufacturer
Here is a partial list of questions to
consider, recognizing that every case
is unique and that any given firm may
have its own criteria.
What assets are available?
What assets are missing?
What alternative processing or
packaging might work?
Is space available for additions?
For storage?
How is confidentiality assured?
What technical resources are
available? What kind of product/formula/packaging development is
offered? What about quality
assurance?
What is the firms reputation?
Are references to customers
available?
Is the company financially
stable?
What about information technology? Is it compatible with the
customers systems?
Is the culture compatible?
What are the labor relations
considerations?
Is the firm environmentally
sound, sustainable, and energy
efficient?
What are the cost elements?
How are standards developed?
Where are the risks of waste and
defects?
Obviously, there can be many
more details that need discussion.
Sourcing a Co-manufacturer
There are websites that list candidate co-manufacturers
or co-packers (the terms are synonymous, mostly). Some
examples include the following:
http://www.specialtyfoodresource.com/page/
page/4205553.htm,
http://www.findacopacker.com/, and
http://www.contractpackaging.org/custom/directory/membership.cfm.
co-manufacturers achieve lower
hourly rates by remaining nonunionized and locating in areas
where the wage rates are low.
One negotiable element of cost
is the allowance for waste and who
bears the risk. An incentive for the
co-manufacturer is created by setting a reasonable allowance for yield
and then having the co-manufacturer bear the risk of exceeding the
allowance.
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